My say....
The recent call by Shafie Apdal for Sabahan MPs to sign a loyalty pledge to the Prime Minister is downright stupid. His distrust of Sabahan MPs is now shown in true colours. Ultimately, it is tantamount to partisan politicking of the highest order. Worse of all is the fact that Shafie, a Sabahan himself, is degrading fellow MPs from his own state. How he deserved to helm a ministerial post in the first place is really baffling. He may have just sealed his doom in his quest for the vice presidency of UMNO. Yes, history has recorded that many MPs has jumped ship before in Sabah, but they are mostly now in the Pakatan Rakyat camp!
State Barisan Backbenchers Club chairman Anifah Aman was right! If a pledge of loyalty is to be signed, then it must be extended to all Barisan MPs concerned. With Muhyiddin Yassin worried about calls from other parties leaving the Barisan coalition, this is possibly an indication of how UMNO has treated their partners. They have silly people in the rank.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Real empowerment
My say...
This writer read about The Tangga Batu Community College in Malacca offering short to mid-term courses for starting fees as low as RM5 really is an eye-opener. Idris Haron, the Deputy Higher Education Minister hit the nail on the spot when he mentioned that this will really help empower poor people. It provide practical hands-on skills and vocational know-how to help the poor improve their standard of living.
Malaysian alike should join and help in the financial upkeep of such noble college. With its clear aim, it will certainly help the rakyat being empowered in the true sense of the word. Kudos to the founders and operators alike of this college.
More reading at NST under STREETS pullout p.3
This writer read about The Tangga Batu Community College in Malacca offering short to mid-term courses for starting fees as low as RM5 really is an eye-opener. Idris Haron, the Deputy Higher Education Minister hit the nail on the spot when he mentioned that this will really help empower poor people. It provide practical hands-on skills and vocational know-how to help the poor improve their standard of living.
Malaysian alike should join and help in the financial upkeep of such noble college. With its clear aim, it will certainly help the rakyat being empowered in the true sense of the word. Kudos to the founders and operators alike of this college.
More reading at NST under STREETS pullout p.3
Monday, August 25, 2008
Bungling PM
My Say....
Before this writer left for an overseas assignment last Friday, he noted that Pak Lah said there will be no changes to the price of petrol as reported in the printed media. Pak Lah claimed that if changes to the price is made before 1st September, then it would tantamount of the rakyat calling him a liar. This is also at the backdrop of the ongoing by-election in Permatang Pauh against charge that Barisan is trying to gain political milage. That very evening, the price was reduced to the current RM2.55 per litre. What gives?
Obviously, the reduction of price is aimed at scoring political points. That Barisan's claim to alleviate the burden of the rakyat only masks the inept handling of Pak Lah Administration. This writer dare say that Pak Lah has now not only proven himself as a liar, but also a bungling and definitely incompetent PM. He has played once the same inspiration issue with the General Election date (more reading Post Morten readout! dated March 9, 2008) and now this! Surely, his Cabinet minister must be tired of defending his impulsion and follies.
Bottom line is this, if not for political milage, then further reduce the price of petrol and not only 15 sens. Just for clarification sake, price of crude oil is today at USD115 per barrel, the same before the price hike. We had petrol at RM1.90 per litre then! That will alleviate the real day-to-day burden of the rakyat!
Before this writer left for an overseas assignment last Friday, he noted that Pak Lah said there will be no changes to the price of petrol as reported in the printed media. Pak Lah claimed that if changes to the price is made before 1st September, then it would tantamount of the rakyat calling him a liar. This is also at the backdrop of the ongoing by-election in Permatang Pauh against charge that Barisan is trying to gain political milage. That very evening, the price was reduced to the current RM2.55 per litre. What gives?
Obviously, the reduction of price is aimed at scoring political points. That Barisan's claim to alleviate the burden of the rakyat only masks the inept handling of Pak Lah Administration. This writer dare say that Pak Lah has now not only proven himself as a liar, but also a bungling and definitely incompetent PM. He has played once the same inspiration issue with the General Election date (more reading Post Morten readout! dated March 9, 2008) and now this! Surely, his Cabinet minister must be tired of defending his impulsion and follies.
Bottom line is this, if not for political milage, then further reduce the price of petrol and not only 15 sens. Just for clarification sake, price of crude oil is today at USD115 per barrel, the same before the price hike. We had petrol at RM1.90 per litre then! That will alleviate the real day-to-day burden of the rakyat!
Reasonable sense
My say.....
Now that the former National Fatwa Council chairman Dr Ismail Ibrahim has made clear that holding the Quran does not equate to the Christian way of swearing on the Bible, it is timely clarification made clear to all about one's intention and faith to his religion.
It really make sense because faith is really and ultimately about one's beliefs and relationship with his Creator. That the swearing of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan on the Quran, irrespectively in the Syariah court or not, does not arise to be neither valid nor invalid. The claim against having the oath done in Syariah court is quashed by the Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin himself. Mohd Saiful has claimed justice to his sodomy charge on the account that if he is lying, then he and his future generation will receive retribution against God for the gravity of his lie.
Two point to raise about this case are: is the faith so weak that even making a laknat oath is disputable? That the Prophet (peace be upon Him) Himself asked for four witnesses was truly done with the intention of justice prevailing both against the accused or the victim, but today it is taken out of context to the extend that rape victim do not even have a chance towards justice. This is really being played around then by the so-called teachers of the Law. These teachers are the same person who would face retribution in their quest to hijack religion and the Hadis to their own advantage. The writer is a Chinese yet the universal value of Islam is so clear and understandable. Why is it then so unclear for the ummah themselves is boggling.
The second point now is that Anwar Ibrahim by right should clear his name. For a charge is now made against him and if he had not committed the sinful act, then by all mean he should clear his name. If he does not, then surely he has lost the credibility to be someone seeking moral justice and reformation against the current government. That they called Anwar de facto leader surely requires him to be so. Just like Hishamuddin Hussein has exorcised himself from his "patriotic" mistake, Anwar as a veteran leader would certainly know that much more is at stake for him. He has aimed no less than to be the Prime Minister. Will that be a hinderance to future development of the country if he is subjected to scorns or even blackmail by other nations if he succeeds as the Prime Minister? He must therefore think of the betterment of Malaysia.
He claims he has alibi, but this writer is wondering why this has not been shown? Why prolong the issue and even to allow his political foes to continuously attack him? Anwar may be clever, but reasonable sense is somehow missing in this issue. Voters in Permatang Pauh is reported (NST, August 25, 2008) has asked PKR campaigners why it was so difficult for Anwar to swear his innocence? If he cannot cross this hurdle, what hope has he then to lead this glorious country? Time to own up now!
Now that the former National Fatwa Council chairman Dr Ismail Ibrahim has made clear that holding the Quran does not equate to the Christian way of swearing on the Bible, it is timely clarification made clear to all about one's intention and faith to his religion.
It really make sense because faith is really and ultimately about one's beliefs and relationship with his Creator. That the swearing of Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan on the Quran, irrespectively in the Syariah court or not, does not arise to be neither valid nor invalid. The claim against having the oath done in Syariah court is quashed by the Perlis Mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin himself. Mohd Saiful has claimed justice to his sodomy charge on the account that if he is lying, then he and his future generation will receive retribution against God for the gravity of his lie.
Two point to raise about this case are: is the faith so weak that even making a laknat oath is disputable? That the Prophet (peace be upon Him) Himself asked for four witnesses was truly done with the intention of justice prevailing both against the accused or the victim, but today it is taken out of context to the extend that rape victim do not even have a chance towards justice. This is really being played around then by the so-called teachers of the Law. These teachers are the same person who would face retribution in their quest to hijack religion and the Hadis to their own advantage. The writer is a Chinese yet the universal value of Islam is so clear and understandable. Why is it then so unclear for the ummah themselves is boggling.
The second point now is that Anwar Ibrahim by right should clear his name. For a charge is now made against him and if he had not committed the sinful act, then by all mean he should clear his name. If he does not, then surely he has lost the credibility to be someone seeking moral justice and reformation against the current government. That they called Anwar de facto leader surely requires him to be so. Just like Hishamuddin Hussein has exorcised himself from his "patriotic" mistake, Anwar as a veteran leader would certainly know that much more is at stake for him. He has aimed no less than to be the Prime Minister. Will that be a hinderance to future development of the country if he is subjected to scorns or even blackmail by other nations if he succeeds as the Prime Minister? He must therefore think of the betterment of Malaysia.
He claims he has alibi, but this writer is wondering why this has not been shown? Why prolong the issue and even to allow his political foes to continuously attack him? Anwar may be clever, but reasonable sense is somehow missing in this issue. Voters in Permatang Pauh is reported (NST, August 25, 2008) has asked PKR campaigners why it was so difficult for Anwar to swear his innocence? If he cannot cross this hurdle, what hope has he then to lead this glorious country? Time to own up now!
Datukship galore!
My say....
Whilst it is good to respect the contributions made by some world-class athletes in our stable such as Nicole David and Lee Chong Wei, this writer is of the opinion that Datukship should only be merited once they have decided to retire from their beloved sport. The honoring of Misbun Sidek at least hits the mark for his achievement both as a player and a coach!
This is to allow the current players to aspire to greater heights without the unnecessary baggages that comes along with the Datukship title. Honor them yes, but do it when they are already at the end of their mission, not before it! Are Datukship so readily available nowadays?
Maybe there will come a time when the datukship is no longer valued and half of the Malaysian citizens are datuks! The other half being Datins obviously!
Whilst it is good to respect the contributions made by some world-class athletes in our stable such as Nicole David and Lee Chong Wei, this writer is of the opinion that Datukship should only be merited once they have decided to retire from their beloved sport. The honoring of Misbun Sidek at least hits the mark for his achievement both as a player and a coach!
This is to allow the current players to aspire to greater heights without the unnecessary baggages that comes along with the Datukship title. Honor them yes, but do it when they are already at the end of their mission, not before it! Are Datukship so readily available nowadays?
Maybe there will come a time when the datukship is no longer valued and half of the Malaysian citizens are datuks! The other half being Datins obviously!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
No Brainer
My say....
The cancellation of Avril Lavigne's concert really sums up the mentality of our local authorities. Granted that they said the concert dates is too close to our National day, but the way they handled it really left much to be desired. Oh incidently, this writer is no fan of Avril!
Firstly, Avril is a recording artist and an international star. They way the authorities are treating these much sought-after stars, whose fans runs into millions, will reflect badly on our nation. Of course, the law is no respecter of person but the way the local authorities are going about many things really showed Malaysia as a pariah society, cancelling concerts at the eleventh hour without thoughts of the aftermaths. Little wonder why other stars like Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Inul Daratista and others are shunning Malaysia as an international stop-over in future. The very least is to show some respect rather than making the country imploding with religious and overbearing cultural slants!
Secondly, although the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Shafie Apdal denies it, there are every possibility that they are bowing to pressure from the political environment. The timing of their announcement says it all! PAS youth had seemingly won the day! Many in the ground are already saying that Barisan's wooing of PAS to strenghtened their grip on Federal power may play out against them! If appeasing PAS is at the expense of the rakyat, what hope is there for the rakyat to trust the current government to upheld what is enshrined in the Constitution? At what expense it will be for the non-bumiputera rakyat too? Only time will tell of Barisan's fate! The irony here is, Sabahan like Shafie should know how is it felt to be left out, from Sabahans claims against mainstream development, yet he is dishing out the same judgement to fellow Malaysians by denying them the rights to their icon!
Thirdly, this question is long time coming! Where is Malaysia heading in terms of openess to the idea of globalization? Will we be like China when it closed its doors during Mao Zedong's cultural revolution? Or will Malaysia be liken to Japan's disdained of gaijen's influence hence effectively closed their country for two centuries during the 17th and 18th century? It nearly destroyed both countries similar to what North Korea is facing now! They have learnt their lessons when civilization left them leagues behind and now fighting back as a global player. As for Malaysia, being the 17th largest trading nation, we cannot afford to continue lose pace with the others. For a country of 26 million, we are but a small fish in the ocean. Reviews like this will certainly reverberate across the oceans that we are certainly an ignorant lot and possibly a destitute in terms of openess and magnanimity! Little wonder why tiny Singapore has a greater name in the global scene than our beautiful country itself.
Tourism Ministry is still left scratching its head what it should do to draw more tourists when one of the problem is so blatantly clear here! Please improve our image! Our local authorities has many times acted no less than a judge, jury and excutioner too liberally. This writer is not condoning that the event organizer, Galaxy are to be absolved from blame for publicizing the concert when permit was not given. Yet, to get a major star participating here is indeed a coup or even thumb-up up for our country as popular destination and an ideal international arena. By allowing the concert to go on, it also reflects that the rakyat has come of age and mature enough to think on their own on their choice of entertainment. All this publicity surely will also be good for a developing country. We are turning backwards again rather than making a leap of faith that Malaysia Boleh! No thanks to no-brainers!
The cancellation of Avril Lavigne's concert really sums up the mentality of our local authorities. Granted that they said the concert dates is too close to our National day, but the way they handled it really left much to be desired. Oh incidently, this writer is no fan of Avril!
Firstly, Avril is a recording artist and an international star. They way the authorities are treating these much sought-after stars, whose fans runs into millions, will reflect badly on our nation. Of course, the law is no respecter of person but the way the local authorities are going about many things really showed Malaysia as a pariah society, cancelling concerts at the eleventh hour without thoughts of the aftermaths. Little wonder why other stars like Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Inul Daratista and others are shunning Malaysia as an international stop-over in future. The very least is to show some respect rather than making the country imploding with religious and overbearing cultural slants!
Secondly, although the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Shafie Apdal denies it, there are every possibility that they are bowing to pressure from the political environment. The timing of their announcement says it all! PAS youth had seemingly won the day! Many in the ground are already saying that Barisan's wooing of PAS to strenghtened their grip on Federal power may play out against them! If appeasing PAS is at the expense of the rakyat, what hope is there for the rakyat to trust the current government to upheld what is enshrined in the Constitution? At what expense it will be for the non-bumiputera rakyat too? Only time will tell of Barisan's fate! The irony here is, Sabahan like Shafie should know how is it felt to be left out, from Sabahans claims against mainstream development, yet he is dishing out the same judgement to fellow Malaysians by denying them the rights to their icon!
Thirdly, this question is long time coming! Where is Malaysia heading in terms of openess to the idea of globalization? Will we be like China when it closed its doors during Mao Zedong's cultural revolution? Or will Malaysia be liken to Japan's disdained of gaijen's influence hence effectively closed their country for two centuries during the 17th and 18th century? It nearly destroyed both countries similar to what North Korea is facing now! They have learnt their lessons when civilization left them leagues behind and now fighting back as a global player. As for Malaysia, being the 17th largest trading nation, we cannot afford to continue lose pace with the others. For a country of 26 million, we are but a small fish in the ocean. Reviews like this will certainly reverberate across the oceans that we are certainly an ignorant lot and possibly a destitute in terms of openess and magnanimity! Little wonder why tiny Singapore has a greater name in the global scene than our beautiful country itself.
Tourism Ministry is still left scratching its head what it should do to draw more tourists when one of the problem is so blatantly clear here! Please improve our image! Our local authorities has many times acted no less than a judge, jury and excutioner too liberally. This writer is not condoning that the event organizer, Galaxy are to be absolved from blame for publicizing the concert when permit was not given. Yet, to get a major star participating here is indeed a coup or even thumb-up up for our country as popular destination and an ideal international arena. By allowing the concert to go on, it also reflects that the rakyat has come of age and mature enough to think on their own on their choice of entertainment. All this publicity surely will also be good for a developing country. We are turning backwards again rather than making a leap of faith that Malaysia Boleh! No thanks to no-brainers!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Perak's new MB
My say....
The recent appointment of Muhammad Nizar Jamaludin as Perak's Menteri Besar initially raised some intrepidation to this writer as PAS now is getting a foothold on his beloved state.
But over the course of time, this MP from Pasir Panjang has been making all the right moves politically. From apologising to the Sultan for wrongly removing the religious director-general to now open land tender surely speaks of a leader who listens to the grouses of the rakyat. He even showed wisdom in that any idle land is to be allowed by farmers to utilized for the sake of productivity. He has probably shown wisdom for such a politician newly helming the state government. In all sense, he looks a right fit or even an old hand in running the state! At least he has proven to be a better administrator that the ever irritating, provoking and trouble-looking DAP. This writer may not agree with his party's stance, but certainly the man has my vote currently in his style of administration and so long as the Islamic issue is not raised!
It is hope he runs the administration well for the Perakians' sake! It will take some effort now for the Barisan machinery to dislodge Nizar. That is for sure!
The recent appointment of Muhammad Nizar Jamaludin as Perak's Menteri Besar initially raised some intrepidation to this writer as PAS now is getting a foothold on his beloved state.
But over the course of time, this MP from Pasir Panjang has been making all the right moves politically. From apologising to the Sultan for wrongly removing the religious director-general to now open land tender surely speaks of a leader who listens to the grouses of the rakyat. He even showed wisdom in that any idle land is to be allowed by farmers to utilized for the sake of productivity. He has probably shown wisdom for such a politician newly helming the state government. In all sense, he looks a right fit or even an old hand in running the state! At least he has proven to be a better administrator that the ever irritating, provoking and trouble-looking DAP. This writer may not agree with his party's stance, but certainly the man has my vote currently in his style of administration and so long as the Islamic issue is not raised!
It is hope he runs the administration well for the Perakians' sake! It will take some effort now for the Barisan machinery to dislodge Nizar. That is for sure!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Religious Fervor?
My say....
It is sad that the recent fiasco about the conversion to Islam issue is still being unresolved. Whilst most major Muslim nations, representing predominantly by the Middle Easten countries, have come to certain allowance towards one's faith even within Islam (as seen between the Shi'te, Sunni, Ahmadiyah and many other smaller sects), Malaysia is still years behind and backwards to resolve this. This, for a country many admired as a model Muslim country!
The rowdy demonstration followed later did not resolved anything. It was never an insult to Islam when the lawmakers sit down and discuss how to go about it in a proper way. At least it will benefit those who had converted to Islam to have a proper path and instructions to follow. Turning it to a political issue is tantamount to attaining cheap publicity by some political parties. Kerosene bomb attacks recently are nothing less than re-portray the wrong perception of Islam again as being a intolerant or terrorist religion. This must be stopped immediately and the perpetrators charged accordingly. There must be no let-up on this!
Malaysia should set the example how tolerable and united the ummah is! Islam, as ever, is a religion of peace and tolerance! That is the challenge to get the message across. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi certainly has a lot to do!
It is sad that the recent fiasco about the conversion to Islam issue is still being unresolved. Whilst most major Muslim nations, representing predominantly by the Middle Easten countries, have come to certain allowance towards one's faith even within Islam (as seen between the Shi'te, Sunni, Ahmadiyah and many other smaller sects), Malaysia is still years behind and backwards to resolve this. This, for a country many admired as a model Muslim country!
The rowdy demonstration followed later did not resolved anything. It was never an insult to Islam when the lawmakers sit down and discuss how to go about it in a proper way. At least it will benefit those who had converted to Islam to have a proper path and instructions to follow. Turning it to a political issue is tantamount to attaining cheap publicity by some political parties. Kerosene bomb attacks recently are nothing less than re-portray the wrong perception of Islam again as being a intolerant or terrorist religion. This must be stopped immediately and the perpetrators charged accordingly. There must be no let-up on this!
Malaysia should set the example how tolerable and united the ummah is! Islam, as ever, is a religion of peace and tolerance! That is the challenge to get the message across. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi certainly has a lot to do!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Notable Quote
His say....
I am retired (from politics). I will not return. As a citizen I have the liberty to make any comments on what is transpiring in my country, that's all
~ Mahathir Mohamad as quoted in the Sunday Star today.
I am retired (from politics). I will not return. As a citizen I have the liberty to make any comments on what is transpiring in my country, that's all
~ Mahathir Mohamad as quoted in the Sunday Star today.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Do give Wan Azizah credit!
My say....
The minute Wan Azizah Wan Ismail declared she is relinquishing her seat in Permatang Pauh, the Barisan Nasional machinery attacked her saying that she is wasting money to allow Anwar Ibrahim to run contest the seat. That she had won by a 13,000-plus majority does not require her to relinquish her post as this is a seat that do not face a split vote nor confidence issue. Moreover, a by-election is an expensive issue, that is the contention of Barisan. Politics is a dirty game!
Whilst this may be true, this writer believes that she had done all she could as a politician, a wife and a mother for the sake of her party. The political tussle was that of her husband and the Barisan government. Most Malaysian knew she was put up by her party to represent her husband when he was banished forcefully by the ruling powers then. She never wanted to contest in the very first place, but required to for the sake of the supporters.
Give her credit that she was a person who never shirks her duties to her husband, to her family, to her party and I dare say, to the nation. All this from a woman faithful to her religion and wifely duties. Mind you, she only wanted to be behind the limelight unlike her husband. She had many time caused novice political mistakes, but she never gave up. She overcame each mistakes and problems with the same demure and non-vindictive disposition she is now well known for. She struggled throughout the time and now found if appropriate to take a step back again now that her husband is is free to contest again. What is so wrong about that? Her qualities are to be admired and not condemned. She has shown herself to be a dependable person and one who carries her responsibilities well despite many emotional setbacks to her and her family that many Malaysians came to witnessed. Anwar on the other hand, chose a safe seat to contest, being the coward that he is. Where is his ceramah claims now that he would dare to contest any seats in his task to take on the corrupted government. Wouldn't it be strategic if he had challenge another Barisan MP thus making their majority even slimmer and easier to capture the federal government should he win? Afterall, he has only slightly more than a month to go before his claim to takeover Putrajaya by 16th September. Instead he chose the safest seat he could find in Permatang Pauh. That in effect, did not change any equation to the numbers of MPs that they have. So much for PKR's vaunted strategists in their fold.
Barisan politicians would be wise now to back off and stop hurling abuses on a person like Wan Azizah. Barisan would do well to pick the victim target properly. They are indeed barking up the wrong tree.
The minute Wan Azizah Wan Ismail declared she is relinquishing her seat in Permatang Pauh, the Barisan Nasional machinery attacked her saying that she is wasting money to allow Anwar Ibrahim to run contest the seat. That she had won by a 13,000-plus majority does not require her to relinquish her post as this is a seat that do not face a split vote nor confidence issue. Moreover, a by-election is an expensive issue, that is the contention of Barisan. Politics is a dirty game!
Whilst this may be true, this writer believes that she had done all she could as a politician, a wife and a mother for the sake of her party. The political tussle was that of her husband and the Barisan government. Most Malaysian knew she was put up by her party to represent her husband when he was banished forcefully by the ruling powers then. She never wanted to contest in the very first place, but required to for the sake of the supporters.
Give her credit that she was a person who never shirks her duties to her husband, to her family, to her party and I dare say, to the nation. All this from a woman faithful to her religion and wifely duties. Mind you, she only wanted to be behind the limelight unlike her husband. She had many time caused novice political mistakes, but she never gave up. She overcame each mistakes and problems with the same demure and non-vindictive disposition she is now well known for. She struggled throughout the time and now found if appropriate to take a step back again now that her husband is is free to contest again. What is so wrong about that? Her qualities are to be admired and not condemned. She has shown herself to be a dependable person and one who carries her responsibilities well despite many emotional setbacks to her and her family that many Malaysians came to witnessed. Anwar on the other hand, chose a safe seat to contest, being the coward that he is. Where is his ceramah claims now that he would dare to contest any seats in his task to take on the corrupted government. Wouldn't it be strategic if he had challenge another Barisan MP thus making their majority even slimmer and easier to capture the federal government should he win? Afterall, he has only slightly more than a month to go before his claim to takeover Putrajaya by 16th September. Instead he chose the safest seat he could find in Permatang Pauh. That in effect, did not change any equation to the numbers of MPs that they have. So much for PKR's vaunted strategists in their fold.
Barisan politicians would be wise now to back off and stop hurling abuses on a person like Wan Azizah. Barisan would do well to pick the victim target properly. They are indeed barking up the wrong tree.
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